Cold, isn’t it? My body’s pre-existing lumps and bumps are impossible to identify amongst the influx of goose pimples, which rise to greet the frigid morning air of my home as I tumble from my bed to spend the day labouring to pay for whatnots the telly tells me I need. Enslaved as I am and forced to work through a harsh winter, I can’t help but envy the dormant plant life sitting out the cold weather. I often catch myself counting down the days until I can once again stuff handfuls of free food into my face hole.

I’m pretty landlocked where I live, but on a rare day off you might just catch me travelling to the coast where there is always something to be imbibed. It’s pretty cold all year round at the beach and everything has simply learned to cope, which is good news for us foragers!

Miniature volcano-shaped shellfish

From seaweed to, depending on your skill set, line caught fish, there is no end to the selection. But one rather uncommon find is the limpet. These are instantly recognisable by most individuals who have been to the beach at least once. Covering rock surfaces like acne once covered my face, this miniature volcano-shaped shellfish is harder to dislodge from its resting place than dried-on Weetabix from a kitchen counter if it becomes aware of your presence. Slide a thin blade between the rock and the shell then quickly prise from the rock to dislodge. If you muck your timing up you will have to find a different one and try again.

They are bound to warm the cockles for someone out there this winter!

The thought of eating a bicycle inner tube has never really held much appeal, and for that very reason I generally only use limpets as bait when fishing, albeit somewhat unsuccessfully. But they are edible when cooked and, with careful experimentation, I’m sure they are bound to be a tasty morsel that will warm the cockles for someone out there this winter!

If you’re not 100% sure that what you’re picking is safe for human consumption, don’t pick it. If you’re prone to food allergies, or pregnant, always seek medical advice before consuming anything foraged in the wild.